Synopsis/blurb ....
When Emma and Kip Dupree bought their first home together, they got a lot more than they bargained for. They wanted to get out of the city and get on with their lives on the quiet cul-de-sac. Instead, an object of obsession brings their lives to a screeching halt.
Who is the woman living next door?
Why does she do the curious things she does?
Why do Emma and Kip feel like their lives have been so disrupted?
How do they get her to stop?
The Duprees are only sure about one thing: the social contract must be upheld at all costs.
A short book so a short review.
Every homeowner or renter's nightmare - a difficult, irritating, unreasonable neighbor.
Our young couple, Emma and Kip move to, if not the house of their dreams, one which is at least affordable. You buy the house, but you don't buy the neighbors. The old woman next door rebuffs friendly overtures and over the next few months along with her dogs (and the product of their bodily functions), makes life hell for our twosome.
Communication issues, disagreements, outright hostility, escalation allied with a reduction in rational thought and behaviour. The situation spirals out of control. Peace and a sense of tranquility is restored but at a price.
I quite liked this one. It's easy to relate to a difficult and sometimes impossible to resolve situation. I can't imagine being driven to those extremes, but hey who knows what we're all capable of if enough of our buttons are pushed.
Mr Punty has been enjoyed before - The Driver's Guide to Hitting Pedestrians and Jack and Mr Grin
Read - (listened to) June, 2021
Published - 2017
Page count - 42 (1 hr 10 mins)
Source - Audible purchase
Format - Audible
I can see why this appealed to you, Col. It's an interesting premise, and we've all had nightmare neighbours. I'm curious, now, too, about the outcome. But...I don't think I'd want to read it just now. You see, I've just moved house, and I haven't gotten to know the people around here just yet...
ReplyDeleteOh Margot, how timely! :-) Seriously, I wish you well! My fingers are crossed for you.
DeleteSkulls on the cover, that is good. I don't think this is my type of short story... on the other hand, I agree that disagreements or irritations between neighbors can be very problematic and unsettling.
ReplyDeleteI did find the set-up very relatable and the outcome extreme. I enjoyed it.
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